Laying wreaths to remember

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Since 2007, a non-profit organization called Wreaths Across America has expanded on the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to honor our nation's fallen heroes.

This year, more than 850 cemeteries, both nationally and overseas, will participate in the remembrance ceremony, including Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Goldsboro, N.C., Dec. 14, 2013 at noon.

"The ceremony happens on the same date and time every year and is an international moment of recognition to our nation's finest," said Staff Sgt. Candace King, 4th Force Support Squadron airman leadership school instructor. "The more men and women in uniform we have at this event, the greater the response we will have from the community."

King and other members of Team Seymour joined forces with the local community to ensure a wreath will be placed on all veteran gravesites at Evergreen Memorial.

"The response from the community has been outstanding," said Emily Tucker, event coordinator. "I've seen cemeteries that try to get this program started that only get about 30 wreaths donated their first year. For us to exceed our goal in the first year really speaks to the level of patriotism in Goldsboro."

Last year, Tucker said she admired a wreath-laying ceremony she went to in Fayetteville, N.C. and decided to spread the idea to Goldsboro. According to Tucker, the inaugural event will continue to further the mission of the organization by remembering, honoring and teaching the stories of our veterans.

The event will feature members of the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Honor Guard as well as Junior ROTC cadets from every high school in Wayne County.

"We really want to get the children involved to increase the patriotism within our youth," Tucker said. "It's important that we spread the stories of our fallen veterans, like I was when I was young, to show them that their freedoms aren't free."

More than one hundred Airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and many members of the community have already volunteered to hand out and lay wreaths during the ceremony, however additional assistance is still welcome.

For more information on how to get involved call (919) 722-5841 or (919) 920-3250.